In recent times and also thanks to the pandemic which added fuel to the fire, there has been an increase in the demand for mental health professionals. Especially in academic institutions. Here are some of the School Psychologist Interview Questions with sample answers.
Over 20% of children all around the globe have a mental health condition, which if not taken care of with proper measurements, can lead to depression and suicide. Academic institutions are slowly realizing the importance of having a School Psychologist who can help and assess the students and the teachers as well.
Interviews are an essential part of the hiring of a School Psychologist. We have compiled a list of questions (along with the appropriate answers and some additional information. In this list. So if need be, you may refer to this article before your interview!
School Psychologist Questions
The interviewers will ask you a variety of questions, ranging from behavioral to personal to create an image of your skills and personality. You may have to illustrate outstanding communication skills, understanding of adolescents, empathy, the attitude of work, and immense knowledge of psychology.
Q. Why did you pursue Psychology?
A. I have always been curious about the mind, and the way we behave, and why we do the things that we do.
This is the most common question asked, the answer to such a question can be very personal and may vary from one person to another. You should just indicate that you’re passionate about this field no matter how you phrase it.
Q. Why work at a school? Why not start a private clinic?
A. I have always been keen on working with children. I feel like they have been made to overwork in these recent times, without any appreciation. As a child, I was bullied in school and had no support or no one to vent to. I want to change this and make sure that the children always have someone to count on. I believe that I have a very good understanding of their world and the challenges that they face. Hence I’d like to work in a school, with children. Private clinics can be a financially better option for me but it won’t be satisfactory.
The reason may vary for you. You may also talk about how the specific school offers certain benefits to the teachers, their location, their attitude towards children with special needs, or their study programs.
Q. How would you gain the trust of children?
A. I have always believed in listening thoroughly and analyzing, before providing any feedback. This makes sure that the child doesn’t feel that I am talking without listening or understanding their plight. Earning the trust of the children is essential in honest communication. I’ll also get involved with the students through school seminars to support them without any judgment. I’ll make sure to be always available, the children can reach out to me on my professional email any time.
Trust is very essential and it forms the base of any form of relationship, let it be both formal or informal.
Q. What would you do if a parent is unwilling to work with you for the betterment of their child?
A. I do understand the unwillingness of parents, as talking and discussing mental health is still stigmatized in the 21st century. I’ll make sure to let them know about my methods and procedures, so they can judge for themselves. I’ll explain my approach to helping their child and the problems they might be facing at school.
You may also try to talk to them and educate them about mental health.
Q. How would you react to one of your students contemplating suicide?
A. I would not take this situation lightly. Most of the time we have to adhere to patient-doctor confidentiality, but in such cases, I would have to inform the school management and the parents, unless that de-escalates the situation. I will make sure to give higher priority in case of a student who is having frequent disturbing and suicidal thoughts.
Q. What do you think are the main causes behind the emotional and mental problems faced by children these days?
A. The most prominent cause is due to the work-related stress that stems from the classroom. Students are given so much homework, with little to no time for recreational activities. This makes them feel isolated and it affects their performance. The second cause is the problems in their personal life, it could be family problems or financial problems. Bullying is also a very big issue, as it takes a toll on the mental health of the students, and having no one to talk to about this makes it worse. This leads to eating and anxiety disorders along with other issues like lack of self-esteem and negative self-image.
Q. How would you deal with violence in school as a Psychologist?
A. Aggression and violence in school mostly stem from rejection and other problems at home. If parents do not give enough care and attention to their children, then they can lash out aggressively at their peers at school. Since the school is multifaceted, it is not possible to have one solution which can potentially solve all the problems. I would focus on programs such as stress reduction, anger management, and restriction on aggressive proneness.
Q. What would you do if a teacher complained about a student?
A. I would listen to them first. It is normal for children to disrupt the classroom, usually, the teachers can deal with it. But sometimes it may be too much for them. I would try to examine the behavior of the student first, including issues they may face at school or in the classroom. Then I would impose some methods of discipline which are non-punitive, I’d talk to them about classroom management and the anti-bullying policy of the school.
Q. According to you, what qualities does a good school Psychologist have?
A. A good school Psychologist must be an active listener. They have to examine body language and other non-verbal cues. Psychologists also have to open up to their patients to make sure they communicate properly. A good psychologist is empathetic and forms an instant connection with their employees. They also must be able to hide their reactions and emotions if faced with a difficult patient. They also have to be willing to learn new aspects and revise old aspects from time to time by attending lectures and seminars and also reading new research papers.
Q. What would you do if a student is experiencing bullying?
A. Bullies often face problems in regulating their feelings due to rejection or various problems faced at home. I.e. if they’re getting bullied themselves by their elder siblings or getting abused by their parents. I would call for a parent-teacher meeting with the bully’s parents first. The next step is to inform the teachers about this so they supervise the children during breaks. I’ll make sure to create a safe space for children who were bullied, I’d hear them out and make sure they don’t undergo the same situation again.
Responsibilities Of A School Psychologist
- Consulting the students with academic, personal, and social issues.
- Assessing students in shaping objectives and self-improvement plans.
- Informing the teachers about the needs and necessities of the students.
- Setting up compelling and informative programs and seminars.
- Counseling parents on appropriate strategies to tend to a student’s mental well-being.
Are School Psychologists Necessary?
Recently, psychologists are being integrated into academic institutions. They benefit not only the students but also the teachers, by helping them manage their busy schedules. They help in crisis prevention by having multiple plans and schemes. They consult with both parents and teachers to evaluate the mental state of the student. They can also enhance the learning experience by making some changes in the curriculum of the school.
All in all, yes. School psychologists are necessary in these trying times.
Conclusion
Due to the rise in mental health conditions in the past decade, various academic institutions are hiring psychologists for the betterment of their students. Surveys have shown that institutions with psychologists have a healthier environment compared to the ones that do not have a psychologist. Psychologists are a very essential part of any workplace or educational institution. School psychologists work with everyone from teenagers to kids. They help them by assessing and addressing their mental health issues that may end up affecting their personal life or even themselves.
The goal of a school psychologist is to offer counseling services to help students with anxiety, low self-image, personal life problems, and also the students who are the subject of bullying. The psychologist not only works with the students but with the guardians (parents or caretakers) and the teachers as well to assess the problem. Assessing students with mental health issues has positive effects on their academics and their social skills.
With the rise in mental health issues around the globe, the demand for school psychologists will only skyrocket in the following years. Mental health is a serious topic and should not be taken lightly.
